Resolve to Win

Aida’s Experience on The March to Washington!

Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 07:42 PM

by BlogMasters

As a proud American and a non-military person I’ve always desired to show my patriotism in some way.  I am so thankful for the freedoms, opportunities and liberties that we have in this Country, and I feel that we, as Americans deserve the right to hear how and what our military and our soldiers are doing in our name.  I know personally that the media covers only selective efforts that are being created in Iraq and it’s infrastructure.  Very little is said about the huge sacrifices that our soldiers make when they leave their homes and families.  And yet, when these soldiers are asked if they would return to another tour, their answer is “yes”, despite many physical losses and handicaps.  What courageous soldiers….we should be proud of them and most thankful.   That is the reason I feel that Resolve To Win needs our attention and every non-military American’s awareness.  Every soldier needs to be applauded, and they all need our thanks, support and the right to come home proud and holding their chins up high.

                                   

So…God sent Dennis into my life when I least expected it and before he deployed to Iraq.  Because of our daily contact I immediately felt compelled to help during his duty in Baghdad, and then he surprised me with his “hair-brained” idea of marching 800 miles to Washington.  Thank the Lord some reality hit him, and he shortened it to 400 miles instead.  Little did I know that I had “volunteered” to help in a challenge that was far beyond my comprehension, but those that know me understand that I will do whatever it takes to get a job done.  Boy, I should eat those words now!

 

Driving the silver pace car about 8 ft behind the marchers at an average of 3 mph for 392 miles, taking pictures, writing notes, waving to supporters, giving out water bottles and flags, grabbing jackets through the window, and a few other duties with 6 hours or less of sleep can certainly make it quite a feat.  Middle of the day duties included nursing the soldiers’ feet and anticipating any and everything that was needed to help them through their excruciating day/pain, helping Donnie (a Godsend, the RV chief/guide/cook, we couldn’t do without) serve lunch and sell t-shirts/hats.  Evenings included checking in hotels, shopping for food or medicinal needs, uploading pictures, deciphering my notes for the daily blog, charging all the electronic communication paraphernalia, then preparing for the next day for a total of 16 consecutive days.  There just weren’t enough hours in the day…time was a rare commodity.  I learned the true meaning of “multi-tasking”!

 

But all this labor was overcome by the wonderful moments and memories that I am so blessed to have experienced, including the fantastic people I met along the way.    The most exhilarating moments were seeing the supporters waiting to salute the soldiers / marchers, the people waving out of their businesses, meeting the families of those serving in Iraq or any branch of the military, the people honking from their cars/trucks, the children waving their flags, the patriotic police escorts from every county who so diligently steered us away from traffic danger.  We had families of soldiers tell us how wonderful it was to see someone remembering their loves ones, whether still alive or deceased, many who waited hours to see us arrive.   And they couldn’t thank us enough for trying to bring awareness to their soldier’s plight.

 

Day 1 started at Dillon with a sunny day and a prayer to guide us on our mission.  Our first supporters who joined Dennis, Carl and Gerry (Dennis’ son who served in Afghanistan) were Dean Strong (one of our Godsend), Ross & Dan (our expert IT guys who I thank for their patience in giving me some relief with the picture taking/uploading and who maintain our website), Bubba (showing up in the most unexpected places and moments shooting more pictures), and Bill (the Patriot Guard rider) for helping us cross over I-95 that day.  Speaking of traffic, I can thank those who complained to the police that we were impeding traffic, which turned out to be a blessing since we were then escorted by every town police department all through DC. Very importantly, Dennis’ brothers, Kenny and Larry completed the first day’s walk after bringing the RV to us for the entire mission.  We couldn’t have done it without the RV (and Donnie!).

 

The next day Marc (the 3^rd retired soldier) arrived from California.  That day we will always remember the young boy who rushed to give Carl his three quarters as a donation.  Needless to say, it was one of those heart-touching moments.  By Day 4 rain and wind came upon the marchers, and it created a huge challenge both physically and mentally.  Day 5 brought Larry Hoffa and his wife, Lori, who marched and asked constantly how they could help us.  Day 6 brought Carl Smith and his wife Joan.  Carl, being a Vietnam Vet, felt a calling to join us till the last day and was a tremendous help in leading the marchers and doing whatever we asked him to do.  We celebrated Carl Herrup’s 52^nd birthday at the RV with pizza, beer and German chocolate cake.  It was the 2^nd year in a row that Carl celebrated a birthday without his family, since last year he was in Iraq.   

 

On Day 7 we were greeted that evening by a big group of supporters from the Halifax School Board with cards and posters.  Thank you, Pearl and mom Betty, for the delicious pecan pie, and the generous donation from VFW Post 3770, in Missouri.  That evening we were hosted to a delicious dinner at Ralph’s BBQ, and wonderful supporters and patriotic friends from American Legion Post 28, especially the Joyners, Noah and Jane,  his beautiful wife of 65 years, and their son, Michael.  Day 8 started with more awesome supporters and marchers, like Noah Joyner, “Concrete” Bob, and Eric Cooper who marched on and off throughout.  That day, as we were crossing the border of North Carolina into Virginia, we were saluted by Dwayne and Ann Ellis with their two little children, Ravin and Gavin proudly waving a 173^rd Airborne flag where their older brothers were presently serving in Iraq.  They had waited hours on the shoulder of the road just to see us, thank us and make a donation.

 

Day 9 started out sunny after two days of rain. We marched through Stony Creek where we met David McDole and HT Burgess from Rolling Thunder and American Legion Riders Post 2, Petersburg VA.  They hosted our dinner and hotel rooms for the night.  It looks like Donnie is planning to join these guys at a pig pickling and have some biking fun in the very near future.  Day 10 found us in Colonial Heights where Dennis and I were so graciously welcomed into the home of Rick and Sue Oertel for dinner and a night’s stay.  Carl H and Carl S were also hosted by Tony and April Morgan and Jeff and Ellen Constantine, members of America Legion Post 284.  Day 11 started with breakfast by George at the Legion Hall in Colonial Heights.  One funny incident that afternoon was when I overheard two old men wave and salute the flag carried by the marchers, and one guy says to the other “hey, what holiday is it today?”  The other guy responded “I don’t know”.  It wasn’t a holiday, but it was the Resolve to Win caravan of marchers and cars displaying flags and people waving and honking! 

 

It seemed like Dennis and Carl were keeping a steady stride despite the aches, pains and blisters, until they encountered the beautiful hills of Glen Allen, VA. That’s when knee pain and shin splits surfaced for more hurtful days.  Many new faces joined us like Andy Robertson, Jim Koch, Larry and Lori Hoffa, and David and Alma Gaddis.  On our last day David and Alma returned and presented Dennis and Carl H with a nice picture album of the days when they marched together, and they also gave monetary donations in honor of their cousin who died in the military.  Even though it was another excruciating painful day for the marchers, the evening was enjoyed with a delicious spaghetti dinner and great company at the Ladysmith Fire and Rescue Squad. 

 

As I read my hieroglyphic notes, I had made a smiley face on Day 13.  We were beginning to see more wonderful and familiar faces.  Don Blosser joined the marchers, and more riders came to rumble.  Lori Hoffa joined the walkers, and Col. Riley and his son Brad walked with a webcam, providing live coverage to our website.  At lunchtime, we were greeted at Massaponax HS with many more supporters, especially Bob Sussan (another blessing and Godsend) and Dean Strong of Fairfax American Legion Post 177, two of the most generous and giving supporters of Resolve to Win since the recon visit with Dennis and Donnie.  On this great day, we also met John and Louise Dodd whose son-in-law Capt. Lou Gomez is stationed in The Green Zone in Baghdad.  The IZ/Green Zone is where Carl H and Dennis were also stationed.  Lou had heard about Revolve to Win in Baghdad and told his in-laws that they had to meet the marching soldiers somewhere along the Route.  We enjoyed having The Dodd’s stay with us for the next few days and through to the end.  Dennis and Carl were thrilled to know that the troops in Iraq had heard about our mission and Resolve To Win March.  That evening our last stop ended at the Spotsylvania American Legion Post 320 with beer, pictures and donations.  We finally got to see Karen Weakly walk with Dennis.  From the first recon visit with Dennis and Donnie, Karen made a plea to her manager and was instrumental in getting many of our hotels discounted with her ‘family and friends’ employee account.  Dinner that night was hosted by the Golden Corral Manager in Fredericksburg, Roy Richardson, and accompanied by Don Blosser and Randy Schrader. 

 

Day 14 began with a shuffled visit to Wal-Mart by Dennis and me.  We needed to find a walking stick that would help Dennis walk, after feeling crippled by his shin splints and aching knee.  We found hiking poles that became his “crutches”.   To Dennis’ surprise, he was accompanied by Cornelius Christopher, aged 72, who helped carry the guidon.  Ted Worley, another supporter from the beginning joined us.  By now, we have been blessed abundantly by American Legion Post 177 who provided us with wonderful accommodations at The Hampton Inn in Fairfax and dinners at the Post for the last three nights.  Hooah!  No more packing and unpacking each night!       

 

Day 15, Saturday, brought us hometown supporters like Mark Huling and his children Holly and Chad, who flew up from Florida to join us.  We were also re-joined by Marc Breslow and his wife, Alice from California, and by Carl Herrups’ wife, Annie from Phoenix, Arizona.  Needless to say, we finally got a smile from Carl H. after 14 days of marching (thank you Annie).   Dennis’ family came back to walk with him on the final two days including Tina his daughter, Brother Kenny and wife Patti, and Brother Larry and wife Jean.  I finally had female companionship. That evening we were invited to join Post 177’s St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance.  It was also the American Legion’s anniversary, and a wonderful way to celebrate with them.  And yes, Dennis danced a few despite all his pain.  I think by now he was just numb.  I had the pleasure to meet Bob Sussan’s special someone, Marilyn, and Dean Strong’s special wife, Suzanne.  A warm and special thanks to Bob and Dean for their unwavering efforts and unending support for our mission, which they will not allow to end here 

 

Ahhh….Finally Day 16!  Rain drizzled at the start of the day which began at American Legion Post 177 in Fairfax, but God cleared the skies for a beautiful sunny day.  Again, Post 177 hosted us with breakfast and more members/supporters.  We were joined by John and Louise Dodd who accompanied us since Day 13.  Also joining the march was Chris Hill, Larry Bailey, Eric “Coop” Cooper, Ted Worley, Mark Woods, Ron Kirby, Carrie McLeroy and many others.  This day will always hold a special place in my heart with the beautiful memory of seeing the magnificent and historical Lincoln Memorial almost a mile away and experiencing that exhilarating feeling of a mission accomplished.  It will be a day to remember!  We left our final destination with a feeling of accomplishment and headed towards Post 177 who greeted us with high cheers and strong high fives!  Once again, they hosted us with a “happy hour” and dinner.  Can’t thank you enough, Post 177!

 

Monday morning we met with Bob Sussan and Dean Strong who will help us continue spreading awareness with their approval on the next mission….Roll on Washington in September!   Keep checking the website for updated information.

 

It would be impossible to thank each and everyone that touched my life in some way.  I cannot forget to thank Dennis for putting up with some of my “tiring moments”.  Thanks to Donnie for being my soundboard… RRRR, a great friend, and a wonderful cook.    I salute Dennis and Carl for enduring 392 miles in 16 days with such physical pain and mental exhaustion, not to mention severe foot blisters.  Dennis and Carl carried the American flag and the Resolve to Win guidon with such pride and determination.

 

Most importantly, I thank God for giving us the opportunity and strength to accomplish this most worthy mission with mostly beautiful weather, no illnesses, accidents or mishaps.  It was truly a challenge and a rewarding experience that was perfectly carried out with such precision, ending with such a high climax, and one that will not end here.  HOOAH!!!

 

God Bless America.

Aida Caridi

4 Comments | Post Comment | Email This

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Tuesday, March 25, 2008 - :-)

What a nice write-up, Aida! It was a pleasure interacting with you during the four days I joined your dedicated group. You did a fantastic job that allowed the boys to abuse their bodies without worrying too much about the critical admin and logistical details.

Look forward to hopefully seeing you in September!

Coop
Posted by Coop

Wednesday, March 26, 2008 - Proud to have been there!

Aida,

It was such an honor and a privilege to be able to walk with all of you, the highest caliber of men who served their country and other Patriotic Americans! To be part of such a worthwhile cause and demonstration of Troop Support - and Mission Support! We are making a difference and all of you made a difference in such an accomplishment!

Your personal dedication in supporting your husband, Dennis; Karl; Marc and the other participants and the constant attention you gave to everyone made me, and I am sure all that joined RESOLVE TO WIN feel like family.

I wish all of you a well deserved rest, quick recovery and foot healing. I look forward to the next adventure!

God Bless all of you,God Bless our Troops and America!

Lori Hoffa
Posted by Anonymous

Friday, March 28, 2008 - Aida's March

We appreciated the few days spent trailing along with the march and soon found out that the real boss was a lady who we admire very much. Of course we also look up to the boots on the ground people and the various support units.

John & Louise Dodd
Posted by jdodd

Friday, March 28, 2008 - Hello

Aida,
Great write-up and thanks for your efforts in this endeavor.
Cheerily
IJK
Posted by missouri